Early jet trials and deck landings were carried out by both the RAF Gloster Meteor and the RAF Vampire.Naval Variants of both these aircraft came into service but neither was used as a carrier based aircraft. They were shore based and used as trainers (Although a few Meteors were used as night fighters)

Since the scrapping of fixed wing air operations at sea in the mid 00's all fixed wing flying has been carried out by MOD Air Works. These aircraft are are owned by the FAA and operated from Naval Air Stations but piloted and manned by civillians.

By the mid 90's the Sea Harrier as such had seen better days so the Navy switched to Joint Operations with the RAF. The Naval Variant of the Harrier was adopted for a sea going role and these aircraft were flown by both FAA & RAF pilots. Although these Aircraft were not strictly Sea Harriers they were refered to as such by both the Admiralty and the RAF right up to the end.

I acquirted these pictures from a friend last night. I think they are brilliant photo's.Taken in 1963 at RNAS Lossiemouth, The Buccaneer S1 of 700Z Squadron Intensive Flying Trials Unit. The worlds 1st Buccaneer Squadron.